*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (7 Viewers)

[simmonjm]

Where do you guys rank DeMarcus Cousins amongst centers? Was really surprised with his hustle against the Lakers seemed like he was everywhere.

He's probably a top 3 center on pure talent. Where he currently ranks, I don't know, but he's certainly not near that yet. His attitude and hustle has improved 100% this year. He makes some really bone headed decisions once in a while (e.g., tried to dribble drive past Camby from about the three point line like a PG last night and got stripped) and settles for his jumper too much, but he's young and learning.

100% improvement 2 games in!Btw, Al Jefferson had a hell of a post game as young chap. Cousins has upside, but has a high implosion percentage.

Probably only a handful of centers that I would take over him at this point if I was a GM. I think the risk is warranted. But yeah 2 games is not enough to make an accurate assessment.

 

[No. 16]

biggamer3!

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Lebron James is very good at basketball.

Scola/Martin for LeBron?

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Celts are 0-3

The elite tier seems to be turning over, which is pretty exciting.

 

[Sea Duck]

And since when can you suit 13 guys? Both the Nuggs and Jazz played 13.

I remember some rule concerning teams playing 3 in a row or 4 in 5 being allowed 13 players.

It's a new rule for this season only. Teams can suit 13 players through February 6th (with 2 inactives), then it goes back to 12 active/3 inactive.

 

[Sudoku_in_the_Bathtub]

They need a fire sale in Boston. It was a nice run.

 

[the moops]

They need a fire sale in Boston. It was a nice run.

Meh. Not having Pierce is a huge blow, especially considering the Green injury.The compressed season certainly isnt going to help them, but I think Miami and Chicago are the only two teams that are definitely better than them.

 

[Premier]

They need a fire sale in Boston. It was a nice run.

Meh. Not having Pierce is a huge blow, especially considering the Green injury.The compressed season certainly isnt going to help them, but I think Miami and Chicago are the only two teams that are definitely better than them.

Hornets beat them without Gordon tonight. Like the Lakers, I think they'll make the playoffs, but the legit title run chances are gone.

 

[Sudoku_in_the_Bathtub]

I like NYK,ORL (w/ Dwight),ATL, IND & Philly all more than BOS this year.

Celts remind me of Detroit of recent memory. Great, now merely decent with the window closed.

Boston looks old, awful (and thin) down low and this Rondo situation isn't going to end well. I really wouldn't be surprised at all seeing them as the #8 seed.

 

[Steelfan7]

biggamer3!

4th qtr with Chandler on bench with foul trouble the Knicks reverted back to their old ways. No defense and no ball movement on offense. Toney Douglass and Bibby are horrible PGs. I never thought I'd say that they need Baron Davis to save their season, but they do.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Nets could be the worst team in the league.

Umm, no.

 

[pollardsvision]

Dare I say it? There's something exciting brewing down in Charlotte.

 

[the moops]

Like the Lakers, I think they'll make the playoffs, but the legit title run chances are gone.

I think you are right. And as someone said, I wouldnt be surprised if they were an 8 seed.But, it also wouldnt surprise me if they lose in the eastern conference championships to the Heat or the semifinals to the Bulls.They are old though.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Like the Lakers, I think they'll make the playoffs, but the legit title run chances are gone.

I think you are right. And as someone said, I wouldnt be surprised if they were an 8 seed.But, it also wouldnt surprise me if they lose in the eastern conference championships to the Heat or the semifinals to the Bulls.They are old though.

I would be stunned if the Lakers lose in the Eastern Conference finals or semifinals.

 

[biggamer3]

biggamer3!

LolIts still early and that was a horrible fourth quarter for Knicks but there was some solid defense played by Knicks but the offense was a complete snooze.On the gripes I have with team after two days: Tony Douglas has never passed when he should, he always shoots on situations where guys are open near rim. Amar'e gotta stop with long jumpers and start playing under the basket, he did not even attempt to post up one time all game vs David lee, wtf was up with that?And finally Tyson Chandler is completely useless offensively without a pg like kidd to lob it up to him. Knicks need Baron Davis healthy in the worst way

 

[the moops]

Like the Lakers, I think they'll make the playoffs, but the legit title run chances are gone.

I think you are right. And as someone said, I wouldnt be surprised if they were an 8 seed.But, it also wouldnt surprise me if they lose in the eastern conference championships to the Heat or the semifinals to the Bulls.They are old though.

I would be stunned if the Lakers lose in the Eastern Conference finals or semifinals.

"They" in Cappy's post refers to the Celtics. But you knew that.

 

[the moops]

Whats up Westbrook/Durant and having to be separated last night?

 

[TobiasFunke]

Like the Lakers, I think they'll make the playoffs, but the legit title run chances are gone.

I think you are right. And as someone said, I wouldnt be surprised if they were an 8 seed.But, it also wouldnt surprise me if they lose in the eastern conference championships to the Heat or the semifinals to the Bulls.They are old though.

I would be stunned if the Lakers lose in the Eastern Conference finals or semifinals.

"They" in Cappy's post refers to the Celtics. But you knew that.

Ah. I thought he meant that he liked the Lakers team this year, not that his team was similar to the Lakers. Makes more sense now.I made the horrible mistake of watching the Wizards play last night, so my brain is still a little scrambled.

 

[rascal]

Al Harrington seems to be taking him nearly being an amnesty cut, at least according to the media, to heart. He had a great game Monday and looks super again tonight. He looks in much better shape and hes really hustling. Rudy Fernandez is a lot more skilled than hes given credit for. He's inconsistent and REALLY needs to learn to square up for his shots, hes constantly fading some direction for no reason, but offensively he has the ability to do just about everything you would ask of a SG. I think hes just like the guy he replaced for the Nuggets in JR Smith though, he flashes play of a All-Star but doesn't understand situations on the court like he should and seems to be too sloppy with the ball.Mozgov is the worst player on the team, he can hit a 15 footer and hes a very large dude that can run, but he can't guard anybody and he has a hard time doing anything near the hoop. I stand by what I said with Lawson being an All-Star, he didn't play many minutes and half of them were at SG (with the Miller-Lawson backcourt, Miller plays PG on offense and SG on defense usually) so he didn't put up big stats tonight, but he looks like the best player on the court.And since when can you suit 13 guys? Both the Nuggs and Jazz played 13.

Rudy is, IMO, a less-insane JR Smith and a better team player. I'll take it.AA is obviously rusty, but I expect he will improve as he continues to put in the extra effort after practice sessions. Ringtone is making me apologize for my previous comments about him...for now. I still don't like his defense at times.Mozgov is the defensive/rebounding force the Nuggets need at the 5 against some teams. I thought he did a better job defending Big-Al then anybody else. Al go this points, but they weren't easy unlike against Birdman. Mozgov won't match the run/gun style they typically play, but as Karl has pointed out that isn't what they need him for. And I disagree about the worst player comment. That belongs to Birdman, which illustrates their biggest weakness...bigmen outside Nene.I guarantee JR Smith won't be back, but Kenyon might as Birdman obviously has started to decline. Chandler will probably be brought back as well.I think they need to make a trade for another bigman and they will be set.

 

[Kev4029]

Where do you guys rank DeMarcus Cousins amongst centers? Was really surprised with his hustle against the Lakers seemed like he was everywhere.

He's probably a top 3 center on pure talent. Where he currently ranks, I don't know, but he's certainly not near that yet. His attitude and hustle has improved 100% this year. He makes some really bone headed decisions once in a while (e.g., tried to dribble drive past Camby from about the three point line like a PG last night and got stripped) and settles for his jumper too much, but he's young and learning.

100% improvement 2 games in!Btw, Al Jefferson had a hell of a post game as young chap. Cousins has upside, but has a high implosion percentage.

Probably only a handful of centers that I would take over him at this point if I was a GM. I think the risk is warranted. But yeah 2 games is not enough to make an accurate assessment.

He is horrible defensively, has middling efficiency and is an absolutely black hole offensively... You guys are nuts.He has great moves and footwork down low but it doesn't translate to easy buckets for him or anybody else.

 

[Premier]

When did Baron Davis get good again? Is it 2006? A little too much love for him in here.

 

[biggamer3]

When did Baron Davis get good again? Is it 2006? A little too much love for him in here.

When Knicks fans watch Douglas and Bibby make total abortions out of the PG spot we yearn for something better. Even Fat Disinterested Baron is better then the garbage we are seeing. Fat Baron was still good at throwing Alley Oops, Knicks need someone who can lob it to Chandler and Amare

 

[rascal]

When did Baron Davis get good again? Is it 2006? A little too much love for him in here.

That's the Knicks fans realizing their team isn't as good as they thought and clinging to the last thread of hope.

 

[Workhorse]

Even with Paul Pierce, this Celtics team is mediocre at best. This season filled with back-to-backs is going to kill them. Ainge needs to seriously think about trading Garnett and Allen for picks at the trade deadline and do a complete rebuild.

 

[Kev4029]

Al Harrington seems to be taking him nearly being an amnesty cut, at least according to the media, to heart. He had a great game Monday and looks super again tonight. He looks in much better shape and hes really hustling. Rudy Fernandez is a lot more skilled than hes given credit for. He's inconsistent and REALLY needs to learn to square up for his shots, hes constantly fading some direction for no reason, but offensively he has the ability to do just about everything you would ask of a SG. I think hes just like the guy he replaced for the Nuggets in JR Smith though, he flashes play of a All-Star but doesn't understand situations on the court like he should and seems to be too sloppy with the ball.Mozgov is the worst player on the team, he can hit a 15 footer and hes a very large dude that can run, but he can't guard anybody and he has a hard time doing anything near the hoop. I stand by what I said with Lawson being an All-Star, he didn't play many minutes and half of them were at SG (with the Miller-Lawson backcourt, Miller plays PG on offense and SG on defense usually) so he didn't put up big stats tonight, but he looks like the best player on the court.And since when can you suit 13 guys? Both the Nuggs and Jazz played 13.

Rudy is, IMO, a less-insane JR Smith and a better team player. I'll take it.AA is obviously rusty, but I expect he will improve as he continues to put in the extra effort after practice sessions. Ringtone is making me apologize for my previous comments about him...for now. I still don't like his defense at times.Mozgov is the defensive/rebounding force the Nuggets need at the 5 against some teams. I thought he did a better job defending Big-Al then anybody else. Al go this points, but they weren't easy unlike against Birdman. Mozgov won't match the run/gun style they typically play, but as Karl has pointed out that isn't what they need him for. And I disagree about the worst player comment. That belongs to Birdman, which illustrates their biggest weakness...bigmen outside Nene.I guarantee JR Smith won't be back, but Kenyon might as Birdman obviously has started to decline. Chandler will probably be brought back as well.I think they need to make a trade for another bigman and they will be set.

Rudy does appear to be less insane and he does look like hes a more willing passer, but I still would take JR 10 times out of 10 if their contracts were equal. JR Smith's abilities when he is right are among the best (sometimes the best) in the NBA and I still don't think the NBA has seen the best of JR Smith... and for what its worth, hes younger than Rudy.Afflalo will be fine, hes just missed some open jumpers which happens for a shooter who hasn't played much lately.I don't care what anybody else says, Mozgov is worthless. And I completely disagree that he played Jefferson well, he was letting him get deep position on the block and was gave up a lot of good looks near the hoop. Jefferson looked like the best center in the league in the first quarter with Mozgov in. And Bird hasn't looked good so far, especially offensively, and he can't jump like he used to, but hes still a beast on the offensive boards and even in his prime he was only a 15-20 mpg type of guy. The Nuggets are exploiting Mozgov's weaknesses by starting him because hes getting a lot of minutes against legit talent and he looks totally lost.

 

[thecatch]

Where do you guys rank DeMarcus Cousins amongst centers? Was really surprised with his hustle against the Lakers seemed like he was everywhere.

He's probably a top 3 center on pure talent. Where he currently ranks, I don't know, but he's certainly not near that yet. His attitude and hustle has improved 100% this year. He makes some really bone headed decisions once in a while (e.g., tried to dribble drive past Camby from about the three point line like a PG last night and got stripped) and settles for his jumper too much, but he's young and learning.

100% improvement 2 games in!Btw, Al Jefferson had a hell of a post game as young chap. Cousins has upside, but has a high implosion percentage.

Probably only a handful of centers that I would take over him at this point if I was a GM. I think the risk is warranted. But yeah 2 games is not enough to make an accurate assessment.

He is horrible defensively, has middling efficiency and is an absolutely black hole offensively... You guys are nuts.He has great moves and footwork down low but it doesn't translate to easy buckets for him or anybody else.

First, and this is according to basketball prospectus and not just my own observations, Cousins is a pretty good defender. Second, I think everyone has been very clear that we're projecting Cousins' offensive game at this point. In the interim, teams can certainly do worse than a legit center who puts up double doubles every night, even with poor efficiency numbers.

 

[Kev4029]

When did Baron Davis get good again? Is it 2006? A little too much love for him in here.

When Knicks fans watch Douglas and Bibby make total abortions out of the PG spot we yearn for something better. Even Fat Disinterested Baron is better then the garbage we are seeing. Fat Baron was still good at throwing Alley Oops, Knicks need someone who can lob it to Chandler and Amare

Shoulda held on to Anthony Carter, at least he can pretend to be a PG from time to time. Bibby is the worst player in the NBA.

 

[timschochet]

Clippers got pushed around by the Spurs last night and lost badly. The Clippers cannot win in San Antonio to save their lives- that's their 17th straight loss.

I think this Clippers collection of players will evolve into a pretty good team- eventually. It's going to take time, and I'm assuming Paul stays healthy- which, based on recent years, is a big assumption. But eventually I think they will be good. Not quite yet though. Dr. Gobbler is going to regret his wagers very shortly, I fear.

 

[biggamer3]

When did Baron Davis get good again? Is it 2006? A little too much love for him in here.

When Knicks fans watch Douglas and Bibby make total abortions out of the PG spot we yearn for something better. Even Fat Disinterested Baron is better then the garbage we are seeing. Fat Baron was still good at throwing Alley Oops, Knicks need someone who can lob it to Chandler and Amare

Shoulda held on to Anthony Carter, at least he can pretend to be a PG from time to time. Bibby is the worst player in the NBA.

Carter was a 10 minute energy defender, that was it. He could not play the point any better then the garbage we are seeing. But Douglas got to be removed from PG duties until he learns how to pass, it just pisses me off so much to see him take so many shots when he has Melo and Amare just waiting to shoot

 

[rascal]

We will have to disagree then. I think the Nuggets know they need a center and they are giving Mozgov the opportunity to take it. He is obviously unpolished, but I think with playing time he will get better. I think the lockout hurt him in that regard.

I think Birdman sucks and the 1-2 offensive rebounds he gets a game are not nearly enough to overcome his deficiences across the board. He is a defensive and offensive liability.

 

[rascal]

When did Baron Davis get good again? Is it 2006? A little too much love for him in here.

When Knicks fans watch Douglas and Bibby make total abortions out of the PG spot we yearn for something better. Even Fat Disinterested Baron is better then the garbage we are seeing. Fat Baron was still good at throwing Alley Oops, Knicks need someone who can lob it to Chandler and Amare

Shoulda held on to Anthony Carter, at least he can pretend to be a PG from time to time. Bibby is the worst player in the NBA.

Anthony Carter? Bibby has reached new lows if you consider AC a better player. Everytime Karl played him I wanted to kick him in the nuts.

 

[timschochet]

Durant and Westbrook get into a yelling match, Westbrook goes 0 for 13 with 4 points, and the Thunder STILL win. On the road, at Memphis. Oklahoma City is 3 and 0 and they appear early on to be a VERY good team. A guy on ESPN called them the best team in the NBA this morning.

 

[rascal]

Durant and Westbrook get into a yelling match, Westbrook goes 0 for 13 with 4 points, and the Thunder STILL win. On the road, at Memphis. Oklahoma City is 3 and 0 and they appear early on to be a VERY good team. A guy on ESPN called them the best team in the NBA this morning.

I wish they had some more depth upfront, but that's about their only weakness.

 

[biggamer3]

Durant and Westbrook get into a yelling match, Westbrook goes 0 for 13 with 4 points, and the Thunder STILL win. On the road, at Memphis. Oklahoma City is 3 and 0 and they appear early on to be a VERY good team. A guy on ESPN called them the best team in the NBA this morning.

ESPN! Wow that is crazy that someone on ESPN would react to a recent winning streak and proclaim greatness!

 

[Kev4029]

When did Baron Davis get good again? Is it 2006? A little too much love for him in here.

When Knicks fans watch Douglas and Bibby make total abortions out of the PG spot we yearn for something better. Even Fat Disinterested Baron is better then the garbage we are seeing. Fat Baron was still good at throwing Alley Oops, Knicks need someone who can lob it to Chandler and Amare

Shoulda held on to Anthony Carter, at least he can pretend to be a PG from time to time. Bibby is the worst player in the NBA.

Anthony Carter? Bibby has reached new lows if you consider AC a better player. Everytime Karl played him I wanted to kick him in the nuts.

Bibby is that bad, his only NBA skill at this point is his three point shooting (which is still very good) but him being the worst defender in the NBA at any position quickly negates that.Carter is really really bad, but he is still enough of an athlete where he can get into positions to initiate on offense, kind of, and is at least an average defender. And for what its worth, Carter is my least favorite Nuggets player of all time because he was so horrid.

 

[Kev4029]

Durant and Westbrook get into a yelling match, Westbrook goes 0 for 13 with 4 points, and the Thunder STILL win. On the road, at Memphis. Oklahoma City is 3 and 0 and they appear early on to be a VERY good team. A guy on ESPN called them the best team in the NBA this morning.

I wish they had some more depth upfront, but that's about their only weakness.

That, and the guys they DO have upfront are really no threat to score. All the scoring they get from Westbrook, Durant and Harden evens that out, but it'll still be an issue.

 

[Sea Duck]

Westbrook's days in OKC are numbered. He'll be gone before the trade deadline.

 

[biggamer3]

Westbrook's days in OKC are numbered. He'll be gone before the trade deadline.

The fact the Thunder are small market and will eventually need to lock up Harden (IMO a star when a top 2 option on a team) and Ibaka and of course Westy will possibly lead the Thunder to trade West for a package of cheap youngsters

 

[rascal]

Westbrook's days in OKC are numbered. He'll be gone before the trade deadline.

His days are numbered, but with them being one of the top four teams I can't see them trading him when the championship is within their grasp. Now if Durant gets injured, or another key player, then yes.

 

[Sea Duck]

Westbrook's days in OKC are numbered. He'll be gone before the trade deadline.

His days are numbered, but with them being one of the top four teams I can't see them trading him when the championship is within their grasp. Now if Durant gets injured, or another key player, then yes.

But Westbrook is what's keeping them from reaching the finals. They need players who complement Durant, not compete with Durant.

 

[rascal]

Westbrook's days in OKC are numbered. He'll be gone before the trade deadline.

His days are numbered, but with them being one of the top four teams I can't see them trading him when the championship is within their grasp. Now if Durant gets injured, or another key player, then yes.

But Westbrook is what's keeping them from reaching the finals. They need players who complement Durant, not compete with Durant.

You take away Westbrook and add an above average role player to complement Durant and they don't have enough to win. Despite Westbrook's faults, he is still a top 10 player and prevents teams from triple teaming Durant.

 

[Gr00vus]

Westbrook's days in OKC are numbered. He'll be gone before the trade deadline.

His days are numbered, but with them being one of the top four teams I can't see them trading him when the championship is within their grasp. Now if Durant gets injured, or another key player, then yes.

But Westbrook is what's keeping them from reaching the finals. They need players who complement Durant, not compete with Durant.

You take away Westbrook and add an above average role player to complement Durant and they don't have enough to win. Despite Westbrook's faults, he is still a top 10 player and prevents teams from triple teaming Durant.

How about a Rondo for Westbrook swap?

 

[Sea Duck]

Westbrook's days in OKC are numbered. He'll be gone before the trade deadline.

His days are numbered, but with them being one of the top four teams I can't see them trading him when the championship is within their grasp. Now if Durant gets injured, or another key player, then yes.

But Westbrook is what's keeping them from reaching the finals. They need players who complement Durant, not compete with Durant.

You take away Westbrook and add an above average role player to complement Durant and they don't have enough to win. Despite Westbrook's faults, he is still a top 10 player and prevents teams from triple teaming Durant.

I never said they should trade Westbrook for a role player!

 

[rascal]

Westbrook's days in OKC are numbered. He'll be gone before the trade deadline.

His days are numbered, but with them being one of the top four teams I can't see them trading him when the championship is within their grasp. Now if Durant gets injured, or another key player, then yes.

But Westbrook is what's keeping them from reaching the finals. They need players who complement Durant, not compete with Durant.

You take away Westbrook and add an above average role player to complement Durant and they don't have enough to win. Despite Westbrook's faults, he is still a top 10 player and prevents teams from triple teaming Durant.

How about a Rondo for Westbrook swap?

Sounds interesting.

 

[Kev4029]

Westbrook's days in OKC are numbered. He'll be gone before the trade deadline.

His days are numbered, but with them being one of the top four teams I can't see them trading him when the championship is within their grasp. Now if Durant gets injured, or another key player, then yes.

But Westbrook is what's keeping them from reaching the finals. They need players who complement Durant, not compete with Durant.

Nobody is competing with Durant, he took 20 shots a game and had the 7th highest usage rate in the NBA. You can only run so many isolations from 25 feet for Durant.

 

[Abraham]

Westbrook to Houston

Rondo and patterson to okc

Lowryr and the Knicks pick to Boston.

 

[rascal]

Westbrook's days in OKC are numbered. He'll be gone before the trade deadline.

His days are numbered, but with them being one of the top four teams I can't see them trading him when the championship is within their grasp. Now if Durant gets injured, or another key player, then yes.

But Westbrook is what's keeping them from reaching the finals. They need players who complement Durant, not compete with Durant.

You take away Westbrook and add an above average role player to complement Durant and they don't have enough to win. Despite Westbrook's faults, he is still a top 10 player and prevents teams from triple teaming Durant.

I never said they should trade Westbrook for a role player!

It was biggamer who said something along those lines, my bad.

 

[Premier]

Westbrook to Houston Rondo and patterson to okcLowryr and the Knicks pick to Boston.

 

[Kev4029]

Westbrook's days in OKC are numbered. He'll be gone before the trade deadline.

His days are numbered, but with them being one of the top four teams I can't see them trading him when the championship is within their grasp. Now if Durant gets injured, or another key player, then yes.

But Westbrook is what's keeping them from reaching the finals. They need players who complement Durant, not compete with Durant.

You take away Westbrook and add an above average role player to complement Durant and they don't have enough to win. Despite Westbrook's faults, he is still a top 10 player and prevents teams from triple teaming Durant.

How about a Rondo for Westbrook swap?

Sounds interesting.

Ball distribution isn't the issue with the Thunder, they run lots of isolations so even if they had Magic Johnson, they wouldn't be a team racking up assists. If they were to make a trade for a PG (which would be insane IMO) they should look to one with a solid jump shot and preferably could play defense on 1s and 2s so Thabo wouldn't need to start.

 

[Abraham]

Westbrook to Houston Rondo and patterson to okcLowryr and the Knicks pick to Boston.

I continue to be amazed at how underrated Lowry is. He's one of the two to best defenders at pg in the league and a great field general.